Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.8G: Maybe the best 85mm for Nikon and great value for money

With an Overall DxOMark Lens Metric Score of 35 the Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.8G is the best 85mm lens in the DxOMark database and well exceeds the average DxOMark Overall Score of 28 for this type of lens.

Costing $500, a whooping $1149 cheaper than the Nikon f/1.4 version at $1649, it also represents excellent value for money if you can live without the f/1.4 maximum aperture. In terms of sharpness the Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.8G finishes 3rd on the podium out of all 14 85mm primes lenses we’ve tested and again surpasses the average score for this category of 15 P-Mpix. Its best characteristic is homogenous sharpness with no edge softness even with the aperture wide open at f/1.8. It holds its own in our other Lens Metric Scores too with the notable exception of vignetting, which is where the Nikon 85mm f/1.8G falls down. Heavy corner shading that requires correction in post-production is evident at f/1.8 and the problem isn’t totally eradicated until the aperture is stopped down to f/4.

If you can live with this one downside however the Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.8G is a cracking piece of glass for portraits and low-light photography. Nikon shooters into portraiture get the Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.8G towards the top of your camera gear ‘wish-list’.

The table for DxOMark Overall Lens Metric Scores for 85mm prime lenses on a Nikon DSLR shows the AF-S 85mm f/1.8G to be the best performer.

Finishing 3rd for sharpness the Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.8G is only a whisker behind the more expensive f/1.4 versions from both Nikon and Sigma.

Plotting the DxOMark Overall Score for 85mm prime lenses against price it’s clear to see the Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.8G lens offers the best value for money compared to the competition.

Further readings for the Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.8G review: An awesome prime that doesn’t cost the earth

To provide photographers with a broader perspective about mobiles, lenses and cameras, here are links to articles, reviews, and analyses of photographic equipment produced by DxOMark, renown websites, magazines or blogs.

Announced in February 2012 the Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75mm f/1.8 is a ‘fast’ telephoto prime for the Micro Four Thirds Lens mount. With an equivalent 150mm focal length it’s a good option for portraiture or sports and the wide f/1.8 maximum aperture is great for low light, too. Costing $899 it’s an expensive option for serious amateurs or professionals alike, so if it’s a lens you’re considering read on to make sure it delivers the results you desire.

Comments

Nikon 85mm f/1,8G halo / axial cromatic aberration

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The Nikon 85mm f/1,8G is a good lens for portraits. However, the halo (or axial croma) is really strong, creating magenta fringe in high contrast area. I get also the green fringe in artificial light in contrast bokeh-area, and this can't be corrected easily with CS6 or NX2. Therefor I don't like to use it outdoors. I don't see you mentioning anything about this feature in your review. Strange (unless there is something wrong with the particular lens that I have), since this is more difficult problem than vignetting. AF is also rather slow, not for capturing fast-moving children.

I noticed this weaknes in the shop, therefor had no unpleasent surprises after unboxing it home.